Blizzard of ’26 Inspires Epic Ghostbusters Snow Creation in New Bedford

The Blizzard of '26 has certainly been a memorable one. Not only is it going down in the record books for dropping over three feet of snow, it also lent itself to creative minds on the SouthCoast.

One New Bedford family turned a mound of snow in their yard into an iconic '80s character: The Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from the iconic film Ghostbusters.

READ MORE: Rhode Island Family Builds Giant Snow Donut After Blizzard of '26

"I was 10 during the Blizzard of 78, so I see that much snow and my first instinct is to play in it," Melissa Masse said.

She quickly got to work, spending a few days to create a densely packed snow pile.

Turning Snow Into the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man

"I went out from noon to five each day packing snow as tightly as possible by the handful," Masse said. "My husband helped me to form the hat and we both carved away the snow forming the shape of the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man."

READ MORE: Rhode Island Mom Turns Blizzard Snow Into Giant Yeti

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A Lifelong Love of Ghostbusters

Masse's been a fan of the film for decades. "We were lucky enough to go on a bus to New York with the Massachusetts Ghostbusters for their 40th anniversary on
Ghostbusters Day, June 8, 2024," she said.

Masse is a member of the Massachusetts Ghostbusters, a community of fellow fans who gather to share their love of the film and even raise money for various charities.

She snapped this photo of an Ecto-1 from the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire release at Dartmouth Mall.

READ MORE: New Bedford Ghostbusters Superfan Creates His Own 'Ecto-84'

Her fandom paid off during the storm, catching the attention of her friends and neighbors.

Neighbors Stop for Photos and Selfies

"Many drove by while we were still building it, but once his head was complete there was a lot of response," Masse said.

People were beeping, waving and shouting, "That’s awesome!," "That’s fire!," "Great job!," "Wonderful!" and "So cool!"

"I made the decorations the night before from craft foam and the eyes are lids from food containers," Masse said.

A Snow Creation to Remember

"So many people took photos and got out to take selfies with him. We stopped counting after 100 in the first few hours," Masse said.

It may not have lasted long due to the rain and warmer temps, but the photos and memories will be cherished forever.